There is a case of gastroenteritis doing the rounds in London, that is ruining many athlete's chance of competing in the World Championships.
On Monday, Athletics Ireland announced that 400-metres hurdler Thomas Barr had to pull out of last night's semi-finals ending his Championships prematurely.
While Barr is one of the more-high profile names to be affected, The Guardian have revealed that around 30 athletes have been struck by the illness. A hotel in London that is housing a number of teams including Ireland, Germany and Canada has been revealed as the only location where the athletes are at risk.
On the back of Barr's withdrawal, Athletics Ireland have revealed they have had to seek alternative accommodation for the team.
Athletics Ireland are taking all possible measures to protect their athletes in light of the gastroenteritis outbreak in the IAAF Team hotel at the World Championships in London.
All Irish athletes yet to compete have yet to arrive in London and will be put in alternative accommodation, thereby eliminating any contact with those who may potentially have been exposed to the virus.
Athletes who have finished competing already have been offered a flight home to protect their health.
Athletics Ireland’s medical team has been in constant contact with the IAAF medical team and have implemented all appropriate protocols to protect the health of the Irish athletes. Thomas Barr is the only Irish athlete who has been affected.
The fact that Barr is the only Irish athlete to be struck down by the illness is horrid bad luck. Despite a poor heat, where he only qualified automatically for the semi-finals due to the disqualification of a rival, the Waterford athlete was seen as one of Ireland's best medal hopes in London.
Among those who have also been caught by the illness is Botswana's Isaac Makwala. The sprinter pulled out of Monday's 200-metre heats, and is was one of the favourites in the 400-metres before the Championship began.
